Recent developments and future prospective of polyurethane coatings for corrosion protection − a focused review

Abstract

Many studies are now being conducted on developing polyurethane-based composite coatings and their process optimization. Polyurethanes are versatile polymeric materials that demonstrate exceptional operational qualities in the oil and gas industries, good resistance to wear and outstanding thermophysical and elastic characteristics. This makes polyurethanes suitable for various industrial applications such as oil and gas, automotive, biomedical, etc. The anti-corrosion properties of polyurethane coatings have been the subject of numerous studies to enhance their physical, mechanical, and functional features to meet the growing demands of the various industrial sectors.This review article thoroughly investigates polyurethane coatings as an effective solution for corrosion protection. It focuses on classifying polyurethane coatings, their synthesis routes, utilization of various carriers and inhibitors/self-healing agents, and evaluation of various properties. The complex corrosion protection mechanisms are also briefly included, facilitating the development of novel polyurethane coatings with improved performance. Finally, the application of polyurethane coatings in different industrial sectors and its prospects are summarized in this review article. This review fills a gap by extensively exploring novel synthesis routes and innovative additives, encompasses the industrial application, and distinguishes itself from prior works in its thorough coverage of polyurethane coatings for corrosion protection, offering a holistic perspective.